Description
This Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad combines tender chicken breast, crunchy vegetables, and chewy soba noodles tossed in a rich, flavorful peanut sauce. It’s a vibrant, satisfying dish perfect for lunch or dinner, served chilled or at room temperature with a delightful balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Peanut Sauce
- 5 tablespoons peanut butter
- 5 tablespoons water
- 5 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup chili sauce (like Sriracha, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup peanuts
Salad
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3–4 cups chopped purple cabbage
- 10 ounces soba noodles
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or basil, chopped (to taste)
Toppings
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breast as desired, then cook over medium heat for about 6 to 8 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Once done, let it rest briefly, then slice or shred the chicken for the salad.
- Cook soba noodles: Prepare the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, water, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, garlic, chili sauce, and peanuts. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust the water quantity for the desired consistency and add more chili sauce if a spicier kick is preferred.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked soba noodles, chopped purple cabbage, thinly sliced red bell pepper, cooked chicken, and fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil. Pour the peanut sauce over the mixture and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken breast with tofu or shrimp to fit different dietary preferences.
- Adjust the amount of chili sauce to control the spice level according to your taste.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the soba noodles are made from 100% buckwheat.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; however, the peanuts and herbs are best added fresh before serving.
- Sesame oil is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor to the sauce.
